Archdiocesan news briefs
Respect Life Creative Writing Contest
Eighth graders in the Archdiocese of St. Louis recently participated in the annual Respect Life Creative Writing Contest. A partnership of the archdiocesan Respect Life Apostolate and Office of Education and Formation, the contest invited participants to reflect, pray, research and write about the Gospel of Life and the virtue of chastity for scholarships and other awards.
In 2026, hundreds of eighth graders from 36 Catholic schools, PSR programs and homeschool programs submitted entries. Of these, 94 students earned the ranking of “parish/school finalist” and were sent into the Respect Life Apostolate for further judging. At the April 9 student awards luncheon with Father Carl Scheble, vicar general and moderator of the curia, the 24 finalists were recognized for their accomplishments. Eight students were also awarded a one-time, partial Catholic high school scholarship or a Catholic youth event scholarship.
Photo courtesy of the Willenberg Family/St. Theodore Flint Hill
Scouts Read Sacred Texts
Scouts Read Sacred Texts is a worldwide event to encourage youth to read sacred texts in conjunction with the U.S. National Day of Prayer on May 7. Members of Scouting America and other youth organizations are invited to participate. To learn more or to register, visit www.scoutsread sacredtextsworldwide.org.
Adoration Under the Stars
Holy Family Parish in Port Hudson will host “Adoration Under the Stars” on Sunday, May 17, outside the church, 124 Holy Family Road in New Haven. There will be praise and worship music from 7:30-8 p.m., followed by eucharistic adoration from 8-9 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. For more information, contact Lori at (314) 420-9768. The gathering is hosted by the faith formation committee of Holy Family, St. Gertrude and St. Ann parishes.
Rural Parish Clinic volunteers needed
Rural Parish Clinic, which provides medical and dental care to uninsured, income-qualifying patients in rural areas of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, relies on the time and talent of volunteers and donations to operate. The clinic is seeking dentists, dental assistants and CDL drivers to volunteer their time. No minimum commitment is required, with clinics offered Monday through Saturday. Clinic sites are approximately 45-60 minutes from St. Louis. To learn more about the Rural Parish Clinic, visit archstl.org/rpc or call (618) 593-6805 or email katherineleverich@archstl.org.
Infertility retreat
Registration has opened for “Cherished,” a weekend retreat Sept. 18-20 for couples experiencing infertility. The archdiocesan Office of Natural Family Planning and Springs in the Desert are partnering to support couples with an overnight retreat that offers a restful, prayerful weekend of reflection, connection and renewal. The retreat will take place at Mercy Retreat and Conference Center. Cost is $300 per couple or $200 per individual, which includes lodging, meals and all retreat materials. For more information or to register, visit www.nfpgoodforlife.com/cherished.
The Office of Natural Family Planning also offers an ongoing Enkindle Ministry for those experiencing infertility. Resources include regular small group meetings, social events and a small book club and discussion group. For more information, email enkindle@archstl.org.
Spiritual Exercises retreat
“Here I Am: A Meeting at the Well,” a retreat following the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, will take place on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. from May 28 through July 30 at St. Rita Church at the St. Charles Lwanga Center, 8240 Washington St. in Vinita Park. Father Chris Schroeder will lead the retreat, which is designed to help participants encounter Jesus in a personal and transformative way. The spirituality of the exercises is designed for “contemplation in action,” that is, a habit of prayer that finds God in the activities of one’s day. Retreatants also will engage with themes of racial justice, healing and reconciliation in light of the Gospel. The retreat is presented by the archdiocesan Office of Racial Harmony and Black Catholic Ministries. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.racialharmonystl.org/ happenings.
